In 1999, offensive coordinator Mike Martz and the St. Louis Rams won the Super Bowl behind what came to be known as "The Greatest Show on Turf." Predicated on attacking at all costs, the Rams were led by grocery-store-stocker-turned-quarterback Kurt Warner.
In 2005, head women's soccer coach Steve Swanson and the Cavaliers are hoping for similar success with similar personnel. Leading the way for the Cavaliers, senior Sarah Huffman's ability to play quarterback and disperse the ball accordingly from her center midfield position is instrumental to Virginia's success. Simply put, Huffman plays at a different speed from everyone else. Consequently, the entire Virginia team plays at a faster speed.
In St. Louis, Warner had wide receivers Isaac Bruce and Tory Holt on the receiving end of many long receptions. For Virginia, Huffman is flanked by returning seniors Shannon Foley and Kristin Weiss. Both known for their speed with and without the ball, Foley and Weiss should provide the Cavaliers with a consistent up-tempo attack from the outside.
In addition to the two well-known wide receivers, many experts agree that slot receiver Az-zahir Hakim was St. Louis' true offensive catalyst. Known for his blazing speed, Hakim flew under the radar for much of the game and then, in one play, burst past the defense for an electrifying score.
For the Cavaliers, this player is Ariel Thompson. MVP of her high school indoor track team, Thompson can flat out fly. Thompson entered Sunday's game midway through the first half and immediately increased Virginia's speed of play.
The 2005 Cavaliers, however, have more in common with the 1999 Rams than just their offense. Relying heavily on the offense's ability to score more than the other team, St. Louis' defense allowed more than 20 points six times and more than 35 points twice.
While Swanson certainly will never admit the same is true of this year's Cavaliers, no one can dispute the uncertainty surrounding the team's defense. Burdened with replacing four senior defenders from last season, Virginia started a junior with one year of college experience and two true freshmen at defender in yesterday's match. They are, however, certainly talented, as two of the three (junior Becky Sauerbrunn and freshman Nikki Krzysik) spent last fall playing for the U-19 U.S. National team.
Regardless of how the defense comes together as the season progresses, the Cavaliers will play an exciting brand of soccer. In stark contrast to last season's wear 'em down, wear 'em out, physical style of play, the 2005 Cavaliers will play a fast attacking style from start to finish. If Friday night's six goals are any indication (and I believe they are), games like Sunday's low-scoring affair certainly will be rare. Mix in stellar midfield which includes second team All-ACC Noelle Keselica and preseason All-American Kelly Hammond and the Cavalier offense could be scary.
In 1999, St. Louis proved to the world that a great offense could overcome a suspect defense. In 2005, Virginia will try to prove an experienced offense can overcome an inexperienced defense. Regardless of the outcome, it will definitely be fun to watch.
Read More
The 2025 MLB Draft: An end and a beginning for Virginia baseball
By Xander Tilock | 2 hours agoVirginia upperclassmen and incoming recruits could wind up with MLB organizations.
Live tracker: the men’s basketball offseason
By Michael Liebermann , Emory Huffman and Xander Tilock | YesterdayA frenetic offseason likely awaits.
Together, the rookies of the past became the champions of the present
By Xander Tilock | 2 days agoVirginia's championship coaches often collaborate.
